Weekend Round Up

It's festive perfect for your 4th of July celebration with red, white and blue and the sweet and savory flavors that work amazingly well together.

Cook's notes: The cherries were pitted, tossed ina prepared dressing Newman's Own Lite Balsamic Dressing or another similar dressing and place on a grill pan. They were grilled until they were juicy and slightly charred about 5 minutes. A good quality balsamic vinegar or black cherry balsamic can be substituted for the prepared dressing using 1 tablespoon. The cherries can also be roasted in oven at 400 degrees for 8 minutes on a rimmed pan lined with parchment paper. Be sure to place grilled cherries on a paper towel (they are juicy) before adding to salad. The recipe serves 4 .

Additional Newman's Own Lite Balsamic Dressing or a similar prepared dressingto finish off the salad or make own own balsamic dressing

Directions:

Preheat grill to medium heat. Place cherries in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic dressing and toss well. Place cherries on a grill pan and grill until tender, about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to turn occasionally while cooking.

Cook's notes: I was super excited to find this easy summer treat on a stick from ourfamilyofseven.com. Everything tastes better on a stick, right? Even kids can get in on the fun and make their own. Since the fruit is chilled, this treat is both tasty and refreshing. Perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

3 bananas

1/4 lb cored pineapple

6 strawberries

1 cup melted dipping chocolate

1/3 cup chopped peanuts

12 Popsicle sticks (or skewers)

Directions:

Cut strawberries in half.

For each strawberry half, cut an equal size piece of banana and pineapple.

Place pineapple on first, then banana and lastly strawberry.

Line a tray with wax paper or parchment paper.

Place skewered fruit on tray and freeze for 10 minutes.

Put chopped nuts in small plate to use for dipping.

Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt chocolate by heating in microwave for 30 seconds, stirring and repeating until melted and smooth.

Dip cold fruit in chocolate, then into nuts, and place back on tray. Chill in refrigerator until serving.

About Me

I am ever ready to try new activities, explore different regions, and willing to take on challenges. I have a elementary and middle school teaching background. Some of my special interests include; writing, poetry, picture books, reading biographies, trying new recipes, traveling to new places, being at the lake, but most of all enjoying time with my family and friends.